Osaka Rukawa led everyone to the training field.
Since they were going to spar, they needed an open space. The classroom was only suitable for theory lessons.
"The two who drew number one, step forward," Osaka Rukawa instructed.
Orochimaru and a silver-haired boy stepped out of the crowd.
Watanabe knew the silver-haired boy. His name was Hiruko, and he was a civilian too, but unlike Watanabe, he wasn't an orphan. His parents were both alive.
There were quite a few civilian students in the class, but Watanabe was the least successful among them. He'd certainly tried hard, but he simply lacked talent.
I hope the system can improve my aptitude and help me go further as a ninja.
Watanabe sighed silently. Right now, he just wanted to figure out how to use the system as soon as possible.
Orochimaru and Hiruko began their spar. Both used the Three Body Techniques with great skill, mixing various ninjutsu with Taijutsu as they fought fiercely.
"They're so strong."
"Orochimaru and Hiruko must already be at Genin level."
"If they'd been around during the First Shinobi World War, they definitely could have graduated early!"
The students around them exclaimed in admiration. Osaka Rukawa, who was taking notes nearby, silently agreed.
Early graduation is a trap, Watanabe couldn't help thinking.
The graduation requirements at the Ninja Academy were very lenient. Students only needed to complete six years of study and master the Three Body Techniques. Even a dead-last student like Watanabe could manage that, let alone a top student like Orochimaru.
Come to think of it, Watanabe and the others were lucky to have been born in peacetime. They could spend their childhood carefree at the Ninja Academy.
If they'd been born seven or eight years earlier, during the First Shinobi World War, it wouldn't have mattered how old they were. As long as they'd mastered the Three Body Techniques, even if they were only eight or nine, Konoha High Command would have forced them to graduate early and sent them to the battlefield as cannon fodder.
That was the main reason Watanabe thought the Will of Fire was hypocritical and laughable. If the Will of Fire really was as noble as Konoha High Command claimed, with the older generation sacrificing for the younger, then children shouldn't have been sent into the First Shinobi World War. The village's middle-aged and older generations should have gone instead, and only after they'd all been wiped out should the students from the Ninja Academy have been deployed.
Konoha High Command preached the Will of Fire while sending eight- and nine-year-old children to the battlefield. They themselves hid in the safety of their headquarters. If that wasn't hypocrisy, what was?
Anyway, Watanabe had already made up his mind. If he could live peacefully in Konoha, he'd stay there quietly. If he couldn't, and Konoha High Command tried to use him as a pawn and cannon fodder, he'd find a chance to defect and slip away.
Everyone only got one life. They couldn't expect him to sacrifice himself for their higher-ups.
"I surrender."
The first sparring match came to an end. Hiruko got back to his feet, covered in dust, his face full of frustration.
"You fought well."
Orochimaru replied calmly, and the two formed a Seal of Reconciliation.
"You both did very well," Osaka Rukawa praised them with a smile.
Osaka Rukawa had recorded their performances in his notebook. He'd later submit it to the Third Hokage, so the Hokage would know which talented students the Ninja Academy had produced in recent years and could give them special attention after graduation.
"Next, whoever drew number two, step forward," Osaka Rukawa continued.
Jiraiya and Inuzuka Kiba stepped out of the crowd and began the second spar.
Jiraiya looks shifty and lecherous. Who'd have thought he'd be so strong? You really can't judge a book by its cover.
Watanabe thought to himself. He'd been at the Ninja Academy for a month, and after merging with the original owner's memories, he'd come to see Jiraiya as a problem student—a shameless lecher who often flirted with the female students. A few times, he'd even hit on Tsunade and gotten thoroughly beaten by her.
The second spar ended quickly. Jiraiya won, and Inuzuka Kiba was knocked to the ground.
"Everyone, don't let my powerful aura sweep you off your feet."
Jiraiya tossed his hair and struck a pose he thought was handsome, winking extravagantly at the girls.
Watanabe: "..."
Everyone: "..."
"Gross."
Tsunade spat, holding back the urge to beat Jiraiya up.
Osaka Rukawa sent Jiraiya straight back down and called for whoever had drawn number three.
Tsunade strode out confidently, her golden ponytail swishing behind her. Her features were fair and delicate. The only imperfection was that her chest was completely flat—or maybe she simply hadn't developed yet, since she was still young.
"It's Tsunade's turn!"
"Go, Tsunade!"
Tsunade was undoubtedly one of the Ninja Academy's most popular students. The moment she appeared, everyone started cheering her on. Jiraiya was the loudest of them all, calling out "Tsunade-chan" again and again until the veins on Tsunade's forehead began to twitch.
Seeing that only Tsunade had come forward, Osaka Rukawa frowned. "Where's the other person? Who drew number three?"
Everyone was taken aback. Only then did they realize that Tsunade's sparring partner hadn't stepped out.
Watanabe wanted to cry. He felt that his luck couldn't get any worse. He was the one who'd drawn number three.
If he'd been sparring with some other average classmate, he would certainly have lost, but at least he could have made a decent showing. Against Tsunade, though, there was no suspense at all. He'd be completely crushed.
"It's me."
Watanabe answered, forcing himself to speak.
In an instant, everyone's gaze fell on him, thoughtful expressions on their faces.
"So it's Watanabe."
"No wonder he didn't dare come out. He's the dead last in the class. He's definitely no match for Tsunade."
"If you ask me, he might as well surrender. There's no point in sparring with Tsunade when the gap between them is so huge."
"Forget Tsunade. Watanabe can't beat anyone."
"I could knock Watanabe flat with one hand."
"..."
Everyone chattered away. Some sneered at Watanabe with glee, clearly expecting nothing from him.
"Is he going to surrender?"
Tsunade looked at Watanabe. Seeing that he made no move to step forward, she felt a little disappointed.
She felt sorry for Watanabe because of his tragic background, but if he didn't even have the courage to fight her, then he was far too timid.
Osaka Rukawa remained silent. He held no prejudice against his students. Whether Watanabe surrendered or took the field was up to him.
In truth, Watanabe was indeed considering surrendering.
He had no choice. He was bound to lose against Tsunade. Maybe after he'd figured out the system, he could catch up to and surpass her...
[ Karma Reversal activated.]
A row of light panels appeared, and Watanabe froze.
[Being Underestimated: Confidence +3, Charisma +3, Courage +4, Mental Strength +2.]
"..."
What the hell??
A surge of boldness suddenly welled up in Watanabe's heart. He felt as if he could look down on every student at the Ninja Academy.
His head was buzzing. He was a little dazed.
So that was how the system worked?
He thought it over, then walked toward Tsunade, facing the crowd's contemptuous and mocking looks.
"He's actually going to take the field!"
"That's Tsunade! Isn't Watanabe just asking to be humiliated?"
"I guarantee Tsunade will punch him flying!"
Before you continue